In the entire history of the existence of the Russian Cup, the first round of the tournament has never attracted as much attention as it does now. This happened due to the admission to the participation of amateur teams, which, in turn, did not become content with the role of extras, but immediately took out several professional clubs, which made a lot of noise.

Should professionals be ashamed?

First amateur swallow

The Russian Cup has undergone major changes this season. The new format promises to give fans many interesting matches. But what happened in the last two days makes us look at Russian football with completely different eyes.

This year 11 amateur teams take part in the cup. Surely one could assume that one of them would miraculously secure a ticket to the next stage of the competition. But the results of the first two days of the tournament were frankly surprising. Fans have clearly shown that the team that wants it more can win in football.

Photo: © Edgar Breshchanov / Match TV

Amkal laid the foundation for the victories of amateur teams over professionals, which “helped” Zorkom focus on performances in the Second League. The very next day, it was announced that Denis Lopatin, head coach of the Krasnogorsk team, had been dismissed due to unsatisfactory results after eight years at the club.

Open video

Professionals declassed

The well-deserved victory of the team of bloggers in the 11-meter series was attributed by many to a combination of circumstances and the misalignment of the Zorkiy players. Other clubs without professional status probably hoped to repeat the success of Amkal in the remaining games, but it was difficult to expect success from them. But the amateurs outsmarted the skeptics.

The Temp team laid the foundation for loud sensations. In the Barnaul derby against fellow countrymen from Dynamo, Ivan Starkov’s wards won, and they did it in a brilliant style. Forward Roman Sychev, who in ordinary life works in the Ministry of Emergency Situations, in the best traditions of Dzyuba, pushed through the defender with his body and, removing the goalkeeper on a false swing, calmly rolled the ball into the goal.

But the miracles didn’t end there. “StavropolAgroSoyuz”, which came to visit the club of the Second League “Essentuki”, literally crushed the professional team, scoring three unanswered goals.

Another media team – 2Drots – repeated the success of Amkal. At the same time, the wards of Dmitry Kuznetsov were opposed by one of the most difficult opponents of those who compete at this stage. Many expected an easy victory over 2Drots from Chertanovo. But it turned out quite differently.

Open video

For the organization of the match alone, the hosts could be praised. Lease in the 1/256 finals of the Khimki arena makes you respect the team’s management. More than five thousand fans came to watch the match – an unheard of interest for such an early stage.

But the teams did not immediately please the fans with goals. It seemed that the fate of the confrontation would be decided by one goal, but after the break, the bloggers simply destroyed the rivals, scoring three times and not converting at least as many right chances.

Photo: © Edgar Breshchanov / Match TV

Four amateur clubs in the 1/128 finals is already a loud sensation, but three more teams without professional status may find themselves at this stage. If this trend continues, then a logical question arises: what are the players of the Second League getting paid for, losing with a devastating score to players who do not even train regularly, earning a living in areas not related to football?

But in this situation, I really want to praise the RFU for the decision to attract media clubs and amateur teams to the Russian Cup. A huge audience and serious interest in the games of the tournament in the early stages is something that will undoubtedly benefit our football.